Non-ugly jetty: The revamped Sha Tau Kok Public Pier has opened, offering a roof to shelter users from sun and rain, and two additional berths to meet future needs.

The revamped Sha Tau Kok Public Pier has opened, offering a roof to shelter users from sun and rain, and two additional berths to meet future needs.

Director of Civil Engineering & Development John Chai said public safety, functional needs, future usage and economic effectiveness has been taken into consideration when rebuilding the pier to make it both functionally efficient, structurally safe and durable.

Built in early 1960s, the pier was used for loading and unloading goods, and for the berthing of kaitos. After 50 years of service, large scale maintenance was required frequently due to weather and sea erosion.

Considering public safety and the economic effectiveness of further maintenance, the Government decided to reconstruct the pier and started the work in December 2004. The revamp cost $46 million, with the number of berths increased from two to four to meet future needs.